The 20 Best Places to Sell Used Clothes Online and in Person
Is your closet bursting at the seams? Does the clothing rack look as if one more winter coat might make it all crash to the floor? This might be a sign — not to take yet another shopping trip, but to consider doing a full closet clean-out. The best part: you can sell used clothes.
Whatever stress you’ll go through in the sorting process will be more than made up for in financial rewards. We recommend examining your closet item by item and identifying the clothes you don’t reach for anymore. Don’t worry — this isn’t goodbye forever. You can replace these items with even better things once the influx of cash comes in from your sales.
Think of your analysis like this. Does this piece still fit? When was the last time I wore it? Do I even still like it? If the answer to all of these is no, then you’re in luck. It’s time to sell! But if your next thought is, “Where can I sell it?,” you’re reading the right article. We’ve rounded up the best online and in-person stores to sell used clothes.
Where to Sell Used Clothes Online
Regardless of whether you envision your clothes-selling activity as a one-time thing or an entire empire, there are plenty of apps and websites you can choose from to hawk your wares.
1. Ebay
Compared to other websites and apps, eBay may seem like a relic of the past. But the site, after more than 25 years, remains a solid option for selling just about anything online — used clothes included.
So long as you create fewer than 250 listings each month, or even more if you have an eBay store, making a listing won’t cost you a dime. Like most e-commerce sites, eBay does charge seller fees. For most clothing, eBay charges 15% of the total amount of the sale if the item is sold for $2,000 or less. If the item is over $2,000, eBay takes 9% of the total amount of the sale. For select clothing, like men’s or women’s athletic shoes, those numbers are lower — 8% of a sale of $150 or more and 13.25% of a sale that is less than $150.
If you plan to sell accessories like jewelry or watches, keep in mind that there are different rates for these items. Expect to pay 15% of the total amount of a $5,000 or less sale on jewelry and 9% on an item over $5,000. For watches, you will pay 15% on each item up to $1,000, 6.5% on anything between $1,001 and $7,500 and 3% on anything over $7,500.
EBay provides a variety of shipment methods, including USPS, FedEx and UPS, and the price is largely based on the dimensions and weight of your package. And if the buyer is local, you can forego shipping altogether by asking them to pick up the item themselves.
- Website: www.ebay.com
- Download the app: App Store, Google Play
- Good for: All types of clothing and accessories for primarily national buyers
- Payout: Direct deposit or on a Visa or Mastercard debit card
2. Vestiaire Collective
You might think that luxury and second-hand don’t really mesh. Well, Vestiaire Collective would like you to think again. The company boasts millions of people who use its marketplace to sell gently used designer brands for women and men.
In general, the site charges a 12% flat selling fee. That said, US-based sellers have certain exceptions from which they can benefit, at least until March 31, 2024. Selling fees are currently being waived on all items sold from these brands, listed here. If your items do not fall within these brands, then you will be charged a $12 selling fee on items priced at $100 and less, a 12% selling fee on anything up to $16,500 and a $2,000 flat fee on anything above $16,500. Regardless of your item’s brand, you will have to pay a payment processing fee—$3 on items up to $100 and 3% on items priced above that amount.
The good news is that Vestiaire Collective covers your shipping — you just have to download and print your shipping label. With this label comes a requirement: you’ll have to ship the item within seven days. If you don’t, the buyer will be refunded and your sale will be canceled.
- Website: us.vestiairecollective.com
- Download the app: App Store
- Good for: High-end fashion
- Payout: PayPal, direct deposit or store credit
3. ASOS Marketplace
ASOS Marketplace aims to be a trendier option for all the vintage lovers out there. The brand benefits from its association with ASOS, already a popular online store. But it’s intended more for the vintage entrepreneur than for someone who wants to sell one-off articles of clothing. Unfortunately, according to its site, they are currently not accepting any new applications for online sellers.
But for those who happen to already be in the system, the good news is that there are no listing fees. Sellers are considered to have their own boutique and pay a 20% commission fee to ASOS. In general, customers pay for the shipping and sellers have two days to ship an item after payment clears. You’ll receive your money through PayPal or Stripe.
- Website: marketplace.asos.com
- Download the app: App Store, Google Play
- Good for: Clothing, accessories and shoes
- Payout: PayPal or Stripe
4. Poshmark
As a “social marketplace,” Poshmark really encourages you to attend buying and selling events, interact with its community and share fashion tips. But if you just want a quick way to get rid of your whopping wardrobe, you can skirt all the bells and whistles and make a listing relatively easily.
For sales under $15, Poshmark charges a flat fee of $2.95. For sales above $15, Poshmark takes 20%. So for items straddling that cut-off point, you’ll want to think carefully about how much to charge. $15 for that vintage tank top and you’ll have to fork over $2.95. $20 for the same tank, and the fee would drop to $2.
What’s nice about Poshmark is that, for each order, the company provides a prepaid and pre-addressed shipping label. If your package happens to be over five pounds, you’ll need to upgrade your shipping label through the Poshmark app. You can either drop off your package at a local USPS mailbox, post office or schedule a pick-up online via USPS.
- Website: www.poshmark.com
- Download the app: App Store, Google Play
- Good for: Popular mid- to high-end brands for men, women and children
- Payout: Direct deposit, check (via USPS), Venmo, PayPal or instant transfer
5. ThredUP
ThredUP’s mission is to reduce fashion waste. And it does this by allowing you to sell your used clothes easily. Quickly? Now that’s another story. The entire process, from shipping to payout, could take months.
To sell with thredUP, you choose a “clean out kit,” which they mail to you with a provided shipping label. You fill up the bag and send it back. If you’re a first-time seller and return your clean out kit within 30 days, you can get a $15 ThredUp credit. Then you wait for them to inspect your clothes and list them. The package can take as long as three weeks to be received. Once they’re ready to be listed, you have a 12-hour window to choose how much you want to charge for them. (Alternatively, you can use a suggested price.) ThredUp allows for a maximum increase of 10% from the original listing price. Once the items are live, you can adjust the listing price as much as you want, as long as it’s not in a customer’s cart.
For the clothes that are accepted and sold, you receive a portion of the profits depending on the sales price of the item. This could range from as little as 3 to 15% of an item priced between $5 and $19.99 and as much as 80% for an item priced at $200 or higher. Unsold items can be reclaimed within the last seven days of the 30 or 45-day consignment period, but you’ll have to pay standard shipping to get them. Otherwise, they become a donation to ThredUp. If an item is returned by the buyer, ThredUp will relist it with a restarted consignment window.
The payout system for thredUP is more complicated than most other comparable marketplaces. Check out this chart or click here to read more.
ThredUP Payout System
Sales Price | Payout Percentage | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
$5 to $19.99 |
3% to 15% |
|||
$20 to $49.99 |
15% to 30% |
|||
$50 to $99.99 |
30% to 60% |
|||
$100 to $199.99 |
60% to 80% |
|||
$200 or more |
80% |
- Website: www.thredup.com
- Download the app: App Store, Google Play
- Good for: Mall- and designer-brand clothes that you’re okay with donating if they don’t get accepted
- Payout: PayPal or Stripe
6. Kidizen
If you’ve gone through your kids’ closets and found far too many pieces of clothing that no longer fit or you no longer want, then Kidizen is the site for you. The resale platform is devoted to children’s items — and some things for Mom.
Selling works in two ways: go with the site’s personal sellers, the Style Scouts, who will tell you what to sell and list it for you, or list yourself. Brands like Patagonia, Kate Quinn Organics and Tula tend to be Kidizen favorites, according to the site, but check out all their best-selling brand names here.
Once your item sells, expect to deduct 12% (+ $0.50) as a marketplace fee for Kidizen if you’re selling yourself. According to the site, “sellers are responsible for shipping costs” but they can purchase a shipping label through Kidizen. Once your item has been processed by the buyer, you receive your cash as Kidizen credit or through PayPal ($0.25 fee) or direct deposit.
- Website: www.kidizen.com
- Download the app: App Store, Google Play
- Good for: Kids’ clothing (and some for moms)
- Payout: Site credit, direct deposit or PayPal
7. The RealReal
The RealReal is a great place to sell online if you want to get top dollar for your luxury or high-end clothes. The online marketplace sells everything from fine jewelry to kids clothing. Some current items on the market include a $950 Gucci hobo bag, a $200 Canada Goose parka and $450 Comme Des Garçons x Nike shoes. If you think you have things that fit into this category, why not try your hand at it?
The process is simple: either schedule an at-home pick-up, ship for free or even drop off in a limited number of locations, currently all in New York City. The RealReal has authentication experts that will review each item to see its value, which generally takes between 10 to 15 days. Once your items have been accepted, the site does all the work for you — photography, listing, pricing.
And if your item does sell, you’ll make more money percentage-wise based on how much it sells for and what sort of item you’re selling. Percentage-wise, collectibles, watches, men’s sneakers and handbags tend to do best. Your annual sales also impact your commission: if you make $1,500 a year or a cool $5,000 or $10,000, these can put you at higher tiers with The RealReal and earn you more money. When selling items under $200, your commission is likely to stay the same, between 20 and 45%, regardless of how much you earn in a year. But when you get to higher-priced items, you could stand to increase your percentage by 1 to 5% depending on how much you’ve earned in total.
- Website: www.therealreal.com
- Download the app: App Store, Google Play
- Good for: High-end luxury items
- Payout: Check, direct deposit or store credit
8. Mercari
Mercari brands itself as a site for people to declutter, and what’s great about it is, in their own words, “you can list almost anything that can ship.” Unlike more authentication-driven sites, Mercari puts the onus in the seller’s hands — take photos, describe your item and price it. The site is more hands-off compared to some of the other resellers on this list.
You can ship on your own dime, purchase a prepaid label or use Mercari Local if your customer is nearby. You’ll have to ship your item within three days of the purchase date. After the item is delivered, the buyer has three days to review it and rate the transaction. Sellers will receive their money either through instant pay or direct deposit. You’ll need a valid debit card or a valid bank account to make one of those options work.
If you want to get rid of a few things around the house with little additional effort, Mercari may be the way to go.
- Website: www.mercari.com
- Download the app: App Store, Google Play
- Good for: Clothing, beauty, collectibles and household goods
- Payout: Direct deposit or instant pay
9. Facebook Marketplace
In recent years, Facebook has invested a lot into fine-tuning its Marketplace feature, which is built into the regular Facebook app. There is no standalone version, meaning you must have a Facebook profile to use it.
Creating a free listing is almost as easy as creating a status update. Look for Marketplace along the left-hand side bar and simply click the “Create new listing” button. Choose “item for sale” and follow along with the prompts—that means adding a well-lit photo, thorough description and some specific information, like measurements, sizing or anything else that is relevant.
In general, Facebook Marketplace is sorted by location, which means that your potential customers will likely live near you. Because the transaction is processed through Facebook, there is a selling fee of 5% (or $0.40 minimum per order) deducted automatically from the transaction. Taxes will also be collected when the transaction goes through. (Our hot tip: if your buyer pays cash and/or picks up their item locally, you can avoid selling fees.)
- Website: www.facebook.com/marketplace
- Download the app: App Store, Google Play
- Good for: Online sales for all types of clothing without the need for shipping
- Payout: Meta Pay or any other agreed-upon method such as cash or PayPal
10. Vinted
Like Poshmark or ThredUp, Vinted is a more casual site for the person who wants to sell off a few of their preloved items. Selling works by listing your items of choice on the app. This is yet another service that requires you to do the work yourself. When your item is sold, you print your prepaid shipping label, ship your item within five days at a drop-off point and you’ll get paid within two days after the completed order through direct deposit via Vinted Wallet.
What sets Vinted apart from other sites is the fact that sellers don’t actually pay to list their items or pay a commission. It’s the buyers who pay a buyer protection fee of 5% of the item’s price plus $0.70. If you’re looking to make the biggest percentage return from your sales, Vinted may be your best bet.
- Website: www.vinted.com
- Download the app: App Store, Google Play
- Good for: Clothing, home goods, entertainment items
- Payout: Direct deposit
11. Depop
Fashion-minded Zoomers, look no further: Depop is for you. It’s as much of a lifestyle and social media app as it is a clothing marketplace. You know what that means: high-quality photos with unique staging are a must.
The app is user-friendly, and you can set up an account, get positioned with Depop payments (with money straight into your bank account) and start listing clothes in just a few minutes. Depop doesn’t charge you to create a listing. Instead, it takes a 10% cut (as well as a transaction fee of around 3.49% plus $0.49 for US-based sellers) when your item sells, which is charged on the total transaction, including costs for shipping. The money will be taken out of your Depop or PayPal payment.
You can also choose your shipping method — whether independent or through Depop. Sellers can either print a USPS shipping label through Depop and drop off their packages at a site near them or they can choose to use their own third-party shipping service. Shipping generally ranges from $4.49 to $13.49, depending on the size of the package. The buyer by default is responsible for the cost of shipping, per Depop.
- Website: www.depop.com
- Download the app: App Store, Google Play
- Good for: The latest trends in street and vintage wear
- Payout: Direct deposit through Depop payments
12. Whatnot
Whatnot functions a little differently than the other resellers on this list, as it is a social marketplace that allows users to auction off their items in a live format. First, arrange the items you want to sell and be prepared to briefly show them on camera and explain their use, dimensions and other relevant details. Once you have a presentation in mind, you can schedule a live show through the app, title it and choose your moderators. You can also categorize your show based on the types of items you plan to sell.
Once you have the livestream going, you can auction off any of the mentioned items through your store, putting a minimum price on them. You can set a time limit for each auction and wait until the highest bidder wins. Once you’ve actually sold your items, you should receive payment within 72 hours after delivery to the buyer. You can ship your items through your Seller Hub, which allows you to generate labels in bulk or individually. You can use flat-rate shipping of $8.35 on Priority Mail packages up to 70 pounds.
Website: www.whatnot.com
Download the app: App Store, Google Play
Good for: Live video auctions of most items
Payout: Stripe or PayPal
Where to Sell Used Clothes In Person
While there are many options to sell your clothes online, maybe you don’t have the technical know-how (or the patience) to do it yourself. Don’t fret.
There are several national brick-and-mortar places to pawn off your used clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories — even baby clothes, toys and supplies — to get cash in your pocket by the end of the day.
13. Buffalo Exchange
Founded in 1974, Buffalo Exchange has remained family owned as it has expanded. The company is a firm believer in reusing and recycling clothes to reduce waste and pollution (and save cash). Each store also partners with local charities.
Buffalo Exchange accepts a wide array of clothes for both men and women — vintage, activewear, plus sizes and more. It works like a pre-purchase: bring in your clothes and an ID and you’ll get 25% of the selling price that day or 50% in-store credit without having to wait for the clothes to be sold. Contrary to its name, it does not accept livestock at this time. Sorry in advance.
And if you don’t live near a Buffalo Exchange, the company also has a sell-by-mail program.
- Website: www.buffaloexchange.com
- Located in: 40 US locations
- Good for: Everyday staples in popular brands, including plus sizes and menswear
- Payout: Cash or store credit
No need to sell your clothes to make money. Check our our list of 50 easy ways to make money this month.
14. Clothes Mentor
Clothes Mentor is a one-stop shop for fashionable women’s clothing size 0 to 26 and maternity wear. It’s a hub for those who want designer brands without designer price tags.
Clothes that sell well include Lilly Pulitzer, Lululemon and Louis Vuitton, among others. Right now, Clothes Mentor is searching for dramatic jewelry, romantic rose prints, elongated silhouettes and sizable bags, among other trends. Shoes, accessories, jewelry and handbags are also accepted. Clothes Mentor has a number of stores in the U.S. — click here to see them all. Buyers get paid cash on the spot for any clothes purchased by the store.
- Website: www.clothesmentor.com
- Located in: Multiple locations across the US
- Good for: Designer women’s fashion and maternity wear
- Payout: Cash or store credit
15. Once Upon a Child
It’s no surprise that child care expenses are a budget buster, but Once Upon a Child can help keep costs down when it comes to baby clothes, supplies and even furniture.
In addition to children’s clothes in sizes preemie to youth 20, Once Upon a Child will buy used cribs, cradles, strollers, baby electronics, Halloween costumes and toys. Even more good news for parents: You won’t have to look very far. Once Upon a Child has more than 400 stores across the U.S. and Canada. Like the other stores on this list, you’ll get paid cash on the spot for the items that Once Upon a Child will buy.
- Website: www.onceuponachild.com
- Located in: Find a store near you
- Good for: Children’s clothes, costumes and accessories
- Payout: Cash
16. Plato’s Closet
Ah, the ole standby, Plato’s Closet. You may not have known this was a clothing exchange store, but it’s likely that you’ve caught a glimpse of one of its more than 480 locations in North America—likely tucked in an unassuming spot.
Plato’s is Winmark Corp.’s most successful clothing exchange franchise, and it’s aimed at teens and young adults. Everyday styles from Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Free People, H&M, Nike and Obey are typically in demand. Plato’s Closet also buys athletic wear, shoes and accessories. Bodysuits, skirts and tanks are particularly desired.
To see if your wardrobe surplus is a good fit for Plato’s, browse its website for other brands and styles that sell well.
- Website: www.platoscloset.com
- Located in: Find a location near you
- Good for: Casual wear for teens and twenty-somethings
- Payout: Cash or store credit
17. Style Encore
Another solid option from Winmark Corp. is Style Encore. It’s like Plato’s sibling, only slightly older and more sophisticated.
Style Encore accepts women’s clothing from brands like Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach and Kate Spade New York. Like Clothes Mentor, Style Encore has personal stylists to help you look like a million bucks (without spending a million).
It’s Winmark’s newest clothing exchange brand, so there aren’t as many locations as its other stores.
- Website: www.style-encore.com
- Located in: Find a store near you
- Good for: Higher-end brands in women’s fashion
- Payout: Cash
![A woman sorts clothing.](https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15091641/usedclothes_sorting.jpg)
18. Uptown Cheapskate
Want to show off some labels? Uptown Cheapskate is your place. It’s a cross between a trendy boutique and a thrift store for young adults. You can sell or trade in men’s and women’s clothes at any of its more than 100 locations nationwide, including in Texas, Florida and California. Sellers either get 25-35% of the item’s price in cash or around 50% of the item’s value in store credit. High-end items like Chanel and Louis Vuitton can get as much as 60% in cash for the seller. Make sure your clothes are in good condition—no broken zippers, tears or stains.
Brands that do well at Uptown Cheapskate include Madewell, Nordstrom and Old Navy. If you’re unsure if your clothes will fit in style-wise, visit the store’s website for more info on trending brands and styles, like hoodies, loose-fit denim and shackets.
- Website: www.uptowncheapskate.com
- Located in: Find a location near you
- Good for: Trendy brands in men’s and women’s fashion
- Payout: Cash or store credit
19. Crossroads Training
Crossroads Trading is like a trendier version of Plato’s Closet or Buffalo Exchange. With locations scattered throughout the country, you have a good chance of finding one within a relatively small radius of where you live.
Crossroads stores focus on trendier items — it currently lists moody vibes, sporty classic, understated luxe and modern vintage on their site among the styles they are seeking. Name-brands are particularly desirable.
When sellers bring their clothes to Crossroads, they either get 50% of the store price in store credit or 30% in instant cash.
- Website: www.crossroadstrading.com
- Located in: Find a location near you
- Good for: Trendy brands in men’s and women’s fashion
- Payout: Cash or store credit
20. Bonus: Local Consignment Shops
If none of the above stores fit the bill, you can always try your nearest consignment shop.
These shops work a little differently than clothing-exchange stores, because consignment stores may not pay you until your item sells. That means it’s unlikely you’ll walk out with a pocketful of cash. It’s also difficult to predict what brands they will buy, because most local stores don’t have databases and metrics off of which to go. Sales are often based on personal taste or season.
You may also need to make an appointment to show your clothes to the relevant employees. But hey, anything is better than leaving unused clothes tucked away in the furthest corner of your shelf for years to come.
Quick Tips on Getting the Most Cash From Your Clothes
Stock at brick-and-mortars are constantly in flux and styles change, so it’s hard to say for sure which brand or outfit will sell. Still, there are a few points you should always take into consideration, no matter the item or the store.
Following these few guidelines will ensure you get the most money for your clothes.
Clean and Fold Your Clothes
Almost every store and online marketplace recommends washing your clothes before taking them in or shipping them out. At in-person clothing exchanges especially, your payout is based on an associate’s quote. After they carefully check each item, you don’t want dirt or food caked onto your shirt. It’ll definitely go in the “no” pile.
In general, to keep colors bright, you can soak your clothes in salt. Only wash them as needed — inside out and in cool water to avoid fading.
Likewise, super wrinkly clothes come across as unwashed, and you don’t want to give that impression. So be sure to fold them neatly before taking them in or pack them neatly if you’re shipping.
Use a Nice Basket or Hamper to Carry Your Clothes (if You’re Selling In Person)
Quick! What do you think of when you see trash bags?
Trash, right? Not clothes.
Again, presentation matters. The appraisers checking your clothes don’t want to sift through trash bags. So after you’ve washed all the clothes you want to sell, fold them and place them in a basket, hamper or box that you can take to the store.
Check for Damage or Pit Stains
If you were a shopper, would you buy a shirt that had pit stains or a missing pocket? Didn’t think so. No one wants damaged, stained or heavily faded clothing.
Before you take your clothes in or list them online, examine them under a bright light to check for tears or discoloration. Certain online stores will ship your clothes back to you if you send them low-quality clothes they’re unable to sell.
Sell Your Clothes Often
Buffalo Exchange’s biggest tip is to sell your clothes every three months. That way, your clothes cache will always be in style, which means more money in your pocket when you sell.
Since most clothing exchanges buy with seasons in mind, it may be best to wait until spring or summer before purging your bathing suits.
But if you live in warm winter places, such as Florida, Arizona or Southern California, then January’s probably fine.
Adam Hardy is a former staff writer for The Penny Hoarder who specializes in stories on the gig economy. Elizabeth Djinis is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder, often writing about selling goods online through social platforms.